Diagram of a keyboard showing how key functions change when the semicolon key is held. Arrow keys and backspace are moved to the home-row.

Dynamic Keyboard Remapping Script

Personal ongoing project
Designed over several years

A keyboard, where some of the keys have an orange duplicate key overlaying them

Problem and Solution

Problem: Standard keyboard layouts for typing often require reaching far for keys that are frequently used (such as arrow keys), leading to inefficiency and strain.
Solution: A script that changes the functionality of your keyboard by remapping frequently used keys to more accessible locations, improving speed and comfort

Skills Demonstrated

Technical skills: Scripting (with Autohotkey), debugging, ergonomic optimization
Soft skills: Creative problem-solving, iterative design

Results

Improved typing efficiency and ergonomics
Greater productivity and less physical strain

Description

A program (Autohotkey script) that enhances the functionality and ergonomics of the keyboard by relocating frequently used keys (such as arrow keys, backspace, and home/end) to more easily reachable positions when holding down specific modifier keys such as the semicolon key and Caps Lock. The result is a highly effective tool for boosting productivity when writing code and documents, refined over years of experimentation and revisions.

Contextual functions: Some keys perform different actions based on the context. For example, the spacebar can act as either the “Enter” key or “Ctrl+Enter”. Its function is toggled by the L key.
Repeat key: The “J” key repeats the last hotkey used, speeding up repetitive tasks. If no action has been performed since the modifier was held, “J” acts as the “Tab” key instead.

Diagram of a keyboard showing how key functions change when the Caps Lock key is held. Some keys open software including Notepad and Google Chrome.